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Illegal Fireworks Use Will Bring $1,000 Fine

The use of fireworks within Visalia city limits, that are classified as dangerous, will now have a permanent fine of $1,000 for the first violation.

The Visalia City Council adopted Ordinance 2017-05, revising Chapter 8.24 and amending the existing Ordinance to include an Administrative Citation for the use of fireworks that are classified as “Dangerous Fireworks” by the State of California. The ordinance becomes law 30 days after adoption.

Council’s action makes permanent the fine for illegal and dangerous fireworks that they first set by resolution in 2016 in anticipation that the use of illegal fireworks would be deterred.

The dangerous fireworks fine will be $1,000 for the first violation and fine, $2,000 for the second violation and $3,000 for each subsequent violation.

“Illegal fireworks are dangerous to not only the person using the illegal firework, but anyone nearby and can cause fires and significant property damage,” says Kurtis Brown, City of Visalia Fire Department. “Last year in 2016 the Visalia Fire Department responded to six fires related to “Dangerous Fireworks” on the 4th of July.”

Illegal or Dangerous Fireworks are rarely bought by mistake; almost all persons using these devices deliberately obtain the Illegal Fireworks with the intent to use them.

Council hopes that continuing the citation of $1,000 and adding an escalator for repeat offenders of $2,000 for second offense and $3,000 for the third and subsequent violations should deter people from selling, handling, storing, and using illegal or dangerous fireworks within the City of Visalia.